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A review by itsjayprobaby
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I went into Legends and Lattes with high hopes for my first read in the cosy fantasy genre, and maybe it's my high expectations that let it down in the end but I was unfortunately left a little disappointed.
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment